As she watched Jiang Hai walk onto the arena, his blue-green school uniform fluttering, his face resolute and his eyes filled with earnest determination, even Ma Xiaotao had to admit that he was rather captivating at that moment. Still, she did not believe he had the ability to threaten her.
Jiang Hai had already performed brilliantly in this Soul Fighting Tournament. He had defeated more than one Soul King head-on in single combat, and had even beaten a Soul Emperor. But there was one crucial factor: Jiang Hai was only a Soul Elder! In five years, the stage would surely belong to him, but compared with her now, he still needed more tempering.
"Junior Brother, concede," Ma Xiaotao said. "You're no match for me yet!"
Jiang Hai's gaze swept over the familiar figures below the platform. After today, he had no idea when he would see them again, and the whole world would surely become his enemy. But he had no regrets. His eyes grew serious. With a thunderous crash, his Copper Coffin Martial Soul slammed down beside him and stood upright. Beside the enormous Bronze Coffin, his body looked so small, yet an aura of sorrow spread outward, making even Ma Xiaotao feel a bleak desolation.
One soul ring after another rose from beneath his feet, yellow, purple, and black, their three colors interweaving.
At the sight, the words Ma Xiaotao had been about to say died on her lips. A ringing phoenix cry echoed in every direction. A fire phoenix soared into the sky and merged with her body. Instantly, Ma Xiaotao resembled a deity walking the mortal world, her body shining with divine fire that inspired worship. Her Divine Fire Phoenix Martial Soul had possessed her.
Jiang Hai smiled.
"Sister Xiaotao, I'm sorry!"
Jiang Hai spoke softly.